The Role of Belonging in Ingroup Favouritism

Abstract

The present research examined the role of belonging in distinct forms of ingroup favouritism (i.e., evaluations and allocations). Two studies were conducted. The first study found that ingroup members (i.e., New Zealanders) displayed higher levels of belonging after they evaluated ingroup members more positively than outgroup members (i.e., Americans). The second study assessed the link between belonging and the allocation of white noise to ingroup (i.e., New Zealanders) and outgroup (i.e., Americans) members following inclusion and ostracism feedback. Participants who were ostracised showed higher levels of ingroup favouritism than those who were in the inclusion and baseline conditions. Ostracised participants reported increased belonging after the allocation of more white noise to outgroup than ingroup members. The results suggested that ingroup favouritism with respect to evaluations and the allocation of less white noise to ingroup members are associated with increased levels of belonging. The theoretical ramifications of these findings are discussed.